Contact Information

Education

BS, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of IowaMD, Doctor of Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

Fellow, Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship, University of Iowa Carver College of MedicineResident, Physician Scientist Training Pathway, University of Iowa Stead Family Department of PediatricsFellow, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, University of Iowa Stead Family Department of Pediatrics

Research Summary

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by disruption of somatic growth, bone/mineral metabolism, nutritional derangement, and electrolyte disturbances. These patterns of change can be seen even in early CKD with emerging data to suggest that there is also an association with change in neurocognitive function in even mild to moderate CKD. Specifically, children with CKD may be at risk for deficits in executive function and academic achievement with advancing disease, although the mechanisms related to this are unclear. Even more unclear is whether or not there are structural and/or functional changes within the brain in parallel with these observed neurocognitive deficits. My research focuses on linking neuroimaging and neurocognitive assessments in this population to inform greater understanding of changes that may be occurring in the developing brain in parallel with progression of CKD. A greater understanding of the neurocognitive changes observed in this population will allow for targeted provider assistance with patient/family medical decision-making and medication compliance.